Also known as the giant crab spider or banana spider, huntsman spiders are not a friendly sight. They get their name from the stealthy way they hunt their prey and trust us — you do not want to come face to face with these eight-legged creatures.
Huntsman spiders have large, flat, hairy bodies, and their front legs are longer than their back legs. Most reach to be about five inches in length.
These spiders thrive in hot, humid conditions and hide in dead trees, bark, and under rocks. If you’re unlucky, you may even see them on your walls or in your car. While they’re believed to have originated in Asia, you can find them in Australia, Africa, and South America. In the United States, they live in warmer states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and California.
Since these spiders capture prey using stealth and speed, they don’t build webs. They can reach speeds up to 2.2 miles per hour and eat mostly small insects but can feed on lizards, frogs, and even small mammals like mice.
Huntsman spiders are venomous, but a bite to humans will only cause itching and slight discomfort. Some people may be allergic to their venom, which could cause more severe reactions.
If you see a huntsman spider, it’s best to trap them under a container, slide a piece of cardboard under them, and release them back outside. To prevent these eight-legged beasts from ever entering your home, you can disperse natural oils like peppermint and citrus, seal off entryways and gaps under doors or windows, and rid your home of other insects these spiders call prey.
Call Arrow Exterminators for a professional pest control plan if you’d like some guidance on ridding your home of huntsman spiders and their dinners.
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